Corps warn of low water levels at Coralville lake

IOWA CITY - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is warning boaters about the level of Coralville Lake as they open two boat ramps for the first time in 2012.

On Wednesday, the Corps opened the Mehaffey Bridge Road boat ramp. This weekend they plan to open the second boat ramp near the dam.

"Places (boaters) can normally boat in the summer, they definitely can't this time of year because of this level," said Chief Ranger Randy Haas.

The lake is currently just under 680 feet, nearly 40 feet below its record high. The current level is around what the Corps targets this time of year, Haas said.

"We always prepare to have room for snow melt and spring rain," said Haas. "But if boaters go too far north or close to the edges, they will get stuck."

The Corps is preparing for a semi-busy approaching weekend with temperatures expected to remain in the 70's.

"Typically it's too cold to be out here in shorts and a t-shirt," said Brent Poole, a fisherman who frequents the area. "A lot of people will be fishing and getting their boats out this weekend."

Ralph Mohn, who took his boat on the lake Wednesday, said boaters should stick to the area between just north of the Mehaffey Bridge Road ramp to the dam.

Haas said the Corps is preparing to open some camping and additional recreation areas ahead of schedule this year.

"With this weather, you kind of have no choice," he said.